OWAIN GLYNDWR COMMUNICATES

Promoting an interest in the history of Owain Glyndwr, the Welsh Son of Prophecy, his life, times and society and his great Welsh War of Independence;also promoting causes today in Glyndwr's spirit and promoting the flying of the Glyndwr flag on Sept 16 Glyndwr Day.

Monday, September 29, 2008

CLEDDYF Y GENEDL IN ITS PERMANENT HOME AT LAST!

Cleddyf y Genedl, the prestigeous sword handgrafted by Master Blacksmith Jason Gardiner of Ystradgynlais and of a similar style as the sword presented to Prince Owain Glyndŵr, by the King of France, on the occasion of Prince Owain's Coronation at Machynlleth in 1404, has finally been permanently homed at Machynlleth Town Council's new Headquarters Y Plas Machynlleth.

You will recall that this unique sword was sponsored by Castle Welsh Crafts of Caerdydd and presented during a prestigious civic ceremony to Machynlleth and Bro Ddyfi by Embassy Glyndŵr, as part of celebrations organised by Embassy Glyndŵr in the town in June 2004 to celebrate and commemorate the 600th anniversary of, both, the establishment of the Welsh Nation's first National Parliament and the occasion of the crowning of the great Welsh warrior as Prince of Wales in the town.

Cleddyf y Genedl is one of the items commissioned by Embassy Glyndŵr to restore the National Treasures of Wales - as the original National Treasures of the Nation has either been plundered as 'spoils of war' (such as was the case with the Crown of the Royal House of Gwynedd and the 'Croes Naid' or, has been otherwise lost over the centuries. All nations seeking Self Determination need their symbols of sovereignty and Cleddyf y Genedl along with 'Coron Glyndŵr (which is housed at Cefn Caer) and Dagr Glyndŵr (housed at the headquarters of Corwen Council) are now established symbols of the sovereignty of Wales.

Cleddyf y Genedl has been temporarily homed for the last four years until its guardians, Machynlleth Town Council, had moved into their new headquarters at 'Y Plas'. It now has 'pride of place, in the main reception foyer and the dignity it deserves.All Owain Glyndŵr supporters passing through Machynlleth should visit the really nice atmospheric restaurant in 'Y Plas' for a wide choice of very reasonably priced refreshments and whilst there, go and see this item of national treasure and pay homage to our greatest leader of all times.

Gŵyl Coroni Owain Glyndŵr:

Newyddion Dâ o Lawenydd Mawr!!!...Great News.A local committee has now been formed to organise 'Gŵyl Coroni Glyndŵr which is to take place on the 20th and 21st June next year. The first publicity poster draft has been produced and a member of the committee visited the Abercraf Gŵyl Glyndŵr last weekend to make contacts with entertainers, stall holders, reenactors and technicians so, ITS ON! I will post more news on this much needed Gŵyl as I get it, in the meantime, everybody get to work on your medieval outfits.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Owain Glyndwr Tyrant? Can't find it? here it is.

.

You will also note that 1282 is missing, so does that mean we were never conquered or, is it an excuse for them to leave out how that ,very real English Tyrranical King Edward I brutally conquered Cymru. So now, you have two reasons to write to VISIT WALES so, please do so today. Diolch!

Monday, September 15, 2008

16 MEDI DYDD GLYNDWR 2008 National Hero Day.

Embassy Glyndŵr, since it's conception in 1999, has campaigned vigorously for the recognition and observing of 'Dydd Glyndŵr'. We produced and initiated the wearing of 'Rubanau Glyndŵr' and are responsible for prompting the mass production of 'Baneri Glyndŵr' and the promotion of it's use throughout the land as the senior flag of Cymru.

Baner Glyndŵr is now flown regularly all year round by numerous organisations, Institutions and individuals. Following is a list of some of the locations that we at the Llysgenhadaeth are aware of:

*The National Eisteddfod, The Millennium Stadium, the National Assembly of Wales, Bangor University, National Library of Wales, Glyndŵr University Wrecsam (to whom we have donated a Baner Glyndŵr to in this their founding year)

*The National History Museum, The National Slate Museum, Big Pit Museum, All castles with flag poles that are under the care of CADW, also Cardiff castle.

*At least 18 Local authorities (at last year's count) and this year we can add Ruthin and Torfaen to this count.

*A growing number of schools.

*Hotels and pubs (such as Y Mochyn Du in Cardiff and the Canns Office in Llangadfan as well as other businesses scattered throughout Cymru (such as Celtic Mowers in Swansea and the gym in Porth Tywyn)

*The Fire Station in Cwmbran.

*Best towns for displaying baneri Glyndŵr. This credit has to be awarded to Pwllheli as the best (its dripping in baneri Glyndŵr) and Penrhyndeudraeth comes a close 2nd. Congratulations to both these towns for their magnificant effort. Its a pleasure to visit and be welcomed by this sea of patriotic colour.

Also, Its encouraging to see that the tradition of flying Baneri Glyndŵr has caught on at the National and Urdd Eisteddfods and at other major festivals. Its a regular now at Glastonbury! But, let's not just make do with a few, let's see a sea of Baneri Glyndŵr at next year's Bala Eisteddfod and the Urdd Eisteddfod and every other festival.

If you know of any other places that deserve a mensh for their flying of Baneri Glyndŵr, please let us know and I'll give them a mensh in the next post - i promise.

This year, we would appreciate it very much if all Pobl Glyndŵr, and other patriots, made an extra special effort to observe 'Dydd Glyndŵr' on 16 Medi for the following reason:

All too sadly, the autum/winter of 2007/8 marks the 600th anniversary of the 'beginning of the end' for the military struggle led by Owain Glyndŵr. In 1407, not only did the English launch a major military counter offensive against the forces of free Wales - which they continued successfully into the summer of 1408, the English were to successfuly advance into the far North West and lay siege to, first, Aberystwyth and then Harlech Castle. It is not entirely the end then, but in 1409, Cestyll Aberystwyth and Harlech fall.

Please note, where there were no events organised to mark the beginning of these two significant sieges, perhaps, next year, the fall of these castles will be marked by suitable commemorations - especially the ''Last Stand'' at Harlech.

The struggle however was to continue and does not end in 1415/16 as most think. The formal surrender of organised Guerrilla resistance is not until the 21 April 1421 when Maredudd ap Owain ap Gruffydd Fychan makes his peace with the English King. Maredudd then disappears from history? was he executed or did he go into exile as a ''Gwennol Cymreig'' (as Henry Gwyn and sons had done) to fight with the French against the English. Next year we shall reveal some evidence which might suggest that great numbers of ''Gwerin Owain'' might have become exiles, and not just have become the outlaws of legend.

The above issue aside, there are other reasons why we need to make a greater effort this - and next year to celebrate 'Dydd Glyndŵr'. Gorden Brown, new Prime Minister of the ''United Kingdom'' in seeking to promote a ''British Constitution'' seeks to make 15 June 1215 a ''British Identity Day'' and he is also seeking to promote greater use of the 'Union Jack' flag on this day - suggesting it is flown on every public building and perhaps hinting that people should fly it outside their homes and in schools - as is the tradition in America. Well, we need to show him that we already have our own 'National Identity Days' with 'Dydd Glyndŵr' and, of course, Dydd Dewi. However, it is with 2009, with a special anniversary year in mind that we really want patriots to pull out all stops. 2009 being a very special year in Hanes Glyndŵr. Full information coming to you via OGC before the end of the year, SO, MOST DEFINITELY ''WATCH THIS SPACE''.

.

INFO ON OTHER DYDD GLYNDWR CELEBRATIONS: following on information of events at Abercraf, Aberffraw and Sain Ffagan. Still no news of any events, National or otherwise taking place at Pentre Glyndyfrdwy, Corwen or Ruthun, the places more identified with 16 Medi 1400! However, there is of course one great National Event, that being the one organised in the South by the Sleeping Giant Foundation at Abercraf. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS AS AN EMBASSY GLYNDWR RECOGNISED REGIONAL NATIONAL EVENT. For other events see the listing below, pretty thin but there are no doubt many events which go by unannounced but, event organisers, do note, we are happy to give you a mention in our listings if you send us your event info. However, see 'Dydd Glyndŵr' Celebrations abroad, listed below:

.

AUSTRALIA: Owen Glyn Dŵr Celebrations the Cantorion Sydney Choir will celebrate Owen Glyn Dŵr Day on Sunday, September 21st, by giving a concert at 2 p.m. at St Michael's Church, Vaucluse. This concert will be given with the Waverley Bondi Beach Band under the baton of Paul Goodchild, This church is on the corner of Vaucluse Road and Fisher Avenue, Vaucluse. Tickets are available from Peter Brun: 93375600 (peter@...) $30 with concessions at $25.The concert is for the benefit of the Menier's Research Fund.

Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones, said, "It’s important to remember Owain Glyndŵr's unique role in Welsh history. If it wasn’t for Owain, Wales would most certainly lack the recognition it has as a country today. Harlech Castle was Glyndŵr's stronghold during his life and it is fitting this castle, as well as other monuments in Wales, will be flying his flag."

Aberystwyth Town Council has voted overwhelmingly to celebrate Owain Glyndŵr's Day on the day he became Prince of Wales, September 16, by flying his standard. Plaid Cymru councillor Mabon ap Gwynfor proposed the motion, saying that it was important that Aberystwyth Town showed pride in its heritage. Mr ap Gwynfor said, "Owain Glyndŵr is a national and an international hero. Six hundred years ago to this year Glyndŵr held his first Parliament in Machynlleth and captured Aberystwyth Castle. Aberystwyth was at the centre of the new Wales that Glyndŵr was trying to build, with a church and an university in Wales."

"A flag commemorating Owain Glyndwr will be flown at County Hall, Ruthin, as part of a national day of celebration. Tuesday September 16 commemorates the proclamation in 1400 of Owain Glyndŵr as the Prince of Wales by a small group of patriots at Glyndyfrdwy. Councillor Raymond Bartley, Chair of Denbighshire County Council said: "The Prince had strong connections with the county and we in Denbighshire feel there is no other area in Wales that have a better claim to him. "We have decided to fly the flag on this date each year in his memory and we are pleased to commemorate such an important character in Welsh history".

So up and at it!, 16 Medi'Dydd Glyndŵr' is only a day away; hope you have organised celebrations. There is a good chance that these celebrations will be submerged by the Civic Trust's 'National Heritage' 'Open Day' promotional events and activities. I notice they have grabbed loads of grants to fund loads of promotional ephemera to flood the land with. Now, I do not oppose this CT business but it could be counter productive to our patriotic purpose, thus, I stress upon all patriots that it is now an absolute patriotic priority that hence your local 16 Medi'Dydd Glyndŵr' celebrations are not left to chance nor be just a casual thing put together at the last moment. If you have not given your community celebrations much attention this year, then please, next year, do so in a big way. Our contribution to the E.U. inspired Civic Trust, Heritage Open Days during September will be to declare 'Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr' as 'Mis Hanes Cymru', focusing very much on Medieval Welsh History and especially Hanes Glyndŵr of course.

Now go for it! and as means of motivation, check out what the Civic Trust Wales is up to in Mis Medi which, remember, as far as we are concerned is Mis Medi - Mis Glyndŵr. The CTW is making weekends prior to 16 Medi, their National Heritage 'Open Day' weekends, so, we declare the week following 16 Medi as Yr Wythnos Glyndŵr. I shall return to this theme again. Until then, check out the CTW web site:

You will note, that the interfering European Union has, with CTW, arranged to clash totally with Mis - Medi Glyndŵr celebrations (Yes, I do believe in conspiracy theories, would it surprise you if i told you that the pretender 'Carlo' is Patron of the Civic Trust, hhhmmm!!!)

Well, that's it for another Dydd Glyndŵr. Dont forget to send reports of your 2008 Glyndŵr celebrations. Further, note, that before the end of the year there will be some exciting news posted on O.G.C. re 2009 Commemoration, so remember to make regular visits to this blog.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Tyrant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIn modern usage a tyrant is a single ruler holding vast, if not absolute power through a state or in an organization. The term carries modern connotations ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrant - 42k -Cached - Similar pagesand then there's: tyrannical - definition of tyrannical by the Free Online ...Definition of tyrannical in the Online Dictionary. Meaning of tyrannical. Pronunciation of tyrannical. Translations of tyrannical. tyrannical synonyms, ...www.thefreedictionary.com/tyrannical - 32k -Cached - Similar pages.Wow!!! This puts Glyndŵr at the same level as Caligula and perhaps Ghengis Khan, the latter actually being the 'national hero' of Mongolia, whom seem to treat their ''tyrant'' as a great historical figure and not as a Western view ''baddie''. My apologies to the people of Mongolia for using that 'T' word in respect of Mongolia's National Hero, who united the nomadic peoples of the Steppes and made it impossible for they to be conquered and colonized by potential invaders. A vast amount of material has been produced in regards to Ghengis Khan, and this history we may be more than a little familiar with; however, it's the contemporary stuff that you need to consider as, not only has the Mongolia of today adopted Ghengis Khan as a national hero but also, as an iconic representation to build a nation on by establishing a sense of Nationhood. All this is very relevant in regards to what Embassy Glyndŵr is working towards achieving in regards representation of our national hero, prince and liberator. So, I make no apolagies for introducing here a link to: MONGOL'S MODERN CONQUEST FROM OUTCAST TO ICON: GENGHIS KHAN'S ...MONGOL'S MODERN CONQUEST FROM OUTCAST TO ICON: GENGHIS KHAN'S RESURRECTION AT HOME The Boston Globe; 4/23/1990; Colin Nickerson, Globe Staff; 955 words; ...www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-8170681.html - 64k -Cached - Similar pages.Now, assuming that you've read the material in the link given above, read on and consider much which follows below, with the above in mind - noting, that I shall be drawing your attention to how they commemorate Ghengis Khan in Mongolia in comparison to the rather ''officially'' lame attempts in Wales to commemorate Owain Glyndŵr. Do note, released on 6 June 2008, an epic film 'MONGOL' about Ghengis Khan, Search for and view trailers on the web..Now see: - Similar pagesWelcome to VisitWales - The official site for visitors to WalesSearchable databases provide details about local attractions, accommodation and events.www.visitwales.com/ - 26k - Cached.Anyone who knows anything about Owain Glyndŵr knows that our national hero hardly fits the bill in regards to description of ''Tyrant' given in the aforenmentioned link. On a scale of one to ten, of comparison with 'tyrants in history' , Glyndŵr comes in at ZERO! So, why this tagging by VW? was it sloppy thinking, might be, as the 'time line' in which it appears, leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe, if I believed in conspiracy theories (which I do!) I would suspect an ulterior motive and hidden agenda, after all I have never seen or heard any of the colonial agencies such as VW et al ever refer to any of the ''Conquistadore! English Kings by the label of tyrant, have you! Anyway, his majesty Prince Owain has sent me the message below, as to how he thinks on it....

"Now, what have I done to be labeled a "tyrant"? I suppose I have been ruthless in rising up against over a century of English rule but it's we Welsh that suffered the tyranny of English Kings, Conquest and Colonization. So yes! ruthless but then the society we lived in then was a ruthless one and especially so when it came to war faring. Yes, I led raids and ransacked English Colonial Borough towns and attacked English Castles and yes, the the custodians of those towns and castles would pay the price if they did not surrender quick enough - but these are the rules of medieval warfare. Hanging 60 of the garrison of Radnor Castle may seem harsh in today's termsbut do you think my 'Bare foot Doggis' got it any easier if captured by the English? Their war crimes and ethnic cleansing against our people has gone unpunished for centuries. So, yes, we Welsh may have over indulged a little with the payback but what do you expect? 'Every Dog Must Have It's Day'. My ''Barefoot Doggis'' may have gone O.T.T, now and then but remember where they are coming from. Yes! serfdom - and I helped to free them of this bondage. My 'national hero' status does not come from just being engaged in a struggle to liberate my homeland but also because, I was seeking to liberate our people from the Edwardian Settlement of 1284 that put the seal on our conquest and put the power of the castle and colonial borough town to oppress, exploit and rule over us.

.

Yes, ruthless but a Tyrant? or rather ''Tyrannical'', the same thing, lets not mince words. OK! nice to be called ''Charismatic'' - and I'm also good looking - and the beard's a real buzz with the ladies at court but, a TYRANT! I don't think so. Just why VISIT WALES labels me such I do not know, why not call me LIBERATOR? Anyway, take a look into the VW Website. Oh, I see there's quite a reasonable 'write up' on me along with Saint David but then you go and spoil it all in a 'Welsh History Time line' elsewhere, as seen here:

.

"1400 – Charismatic (but tyrannical) national hero Owain Glyndŵr begins his rebellion against King Henry IV. By 1404, he had summoned a parliament in Machynlleth, and crowned himself Prince of Wales. By 1408, Owain's ambitious plans ran out of steam, and this last real uprising against the English Crown was over".

.

Run out of steam! Who penned this? I was holding on to Cestyll Aberystwyth and Harlech until 1409, that might have been my last really 'major stand', but not a 'last stand'. I fought on in a guerrilla war untill 1416 until ill health made it impossible to carry arms, so I retired to Ogof Glyndŵr. However, my son Maredudd continued the guerrilla war right up to April 1421, when he conceded to peace but many Barefoot Doggis kept up the fight for years to come, one was hung in Trallwng Castle in 1422 and my Gwerin Owain Underground Resistance Movement continued the struggle right up to 1485 - but were fooled into joining the Tudor army on it's way to Bosworth, the consequences of which were not in our favour in the long run. . Your past, present and future Prince.

Owain Glyndwr

By grace of God Tywysog Cymru Owain IV.

******************************

There, is much on that VW site that needs some 'nationalist attention' such as the 'non' presentation and promotion of much medieval material like the years of 'Conquest and Colonization' but Glyndwr does not need not ride out of his cave just yet to personally challenge VW about any of this injustice, as the ex-Embassy Glyndŵr Staff Researcher is doing a good job of this in his three history blogs: I'R GAD -Welsh Battlefield Campaign at http://brwydr.blogspot.com/Brenhinol Cymru at http://brenhinolcymu.blospot.com/and in YMGYRCH TREFTADAETH at http://ymgyrchtrefdtadaeth.blogspot.com/ . I suggest you visit these sites for a critical appraisal as to how the 'colonial agencies' are dealing with our history. However, I am calling upon you, Pobl Glyndŵr - my loyal compatriots to assist in dealing with this ''Tyrannical tripe" a chance to do so is coming up...

.

16 Medi ,'Dydd Glyndŵr', is almost here! so, why not copy the card below 'Glyndŵr's Grand Slam!' and send on an e-mail far and wide, especially to VISIT WALES & WAG with your Glyndŵr Day Greetings but also stressing the point...

'Glyndwr is our National Hero, no way a Tyrant but certainly a LIBERATOR, so please remove the offending word ''Tyrannical'' and replace it with LIBERATOR or much loved popular prince, proved by the fact that he remains the most popular of princes in the history of a land with many princes'.

.

.

Perhaps some one at VW did not like the fact that the Welsh rugby team won the Grand Slam this year? Congratulations lads, you sure do run, dodge and dive just like my ''Barefoot Doggis''. I had a good grand slam myself; don't want to boast about it but the results are on the card above as you can see..A last word from Tywysog Owain: I am always present at the Millennium Stadium to spur our gallant boys on against the old enemy; you may have heard me and my 'Barefooted Doggis' cheering them on but, I get really angry when I see those 'three feathers' of the English Kings and Princes being worn by our so called National Rugby Team on their shirts and caps. Don't you all realise this is an icon of the opposing country, England, and badge of those English Pretenders that have usurped my title !!! So, I have to remind you again, to go and view previous posts in the Blog OWAIN GLYNDWR COMMUNICATES and get rid of these feathers once and for all". Owain IV.

Monday, September 01, 2008

At last, summer arrived for one day on Sunday 30 Awst so I took advantage of the sunshine for an outing to Bryn Owain/Stalling Down, near Bontfaen. Hopefully, most of you will know that this is the site of the 'Battle of Bryn Owain' fought mid to late July or, could have been August 1403. Whichever was the case, a report on this outing to ''officially'' register the site as one of historic importance will be posted soon to our 'BRWYDRAU GLYNDŵR' blog. In the meantime, this post will suffice to give a brief account of my outing which also included a visit into Bontfaen to pay my respects to the memory of Iolo Morgannwg and visits to both the scenic San Quentin Castle and Church of Llanbliethan.

The picture below is of a plaque which has been placed on a building in Bontfaen to mark the place where Iolo Morgannwg (referred to by some, as the ''Father of Post 1536 Welsh Nationalism'') once resided. I find it amazing that Welsh Cultural Nationalists and Folk Lore Romantics aka ''Welsh Traditionalists'' do not make more of Iolo Morgannwg? Why is there no annual commemoration/celebration for this great Welsh character? Bontfaen, would make an ideal setting for an annual folk festival; a Gŵyl Iolo which could be held on or around his birth date which is 10 March 1747. Then, also, why not a conference weekend of a more academic nature, on or around the date of his death on 18 December 1826? Both these suggestions are worthy of some serious consideration wouldn't you agree? and if such events were organised, I, for one, would definitely attend and would be more than happy to spread the word. My interest in Iolo is not just because I consider him to be one of our ''greatest'' but, also, because of his interest in Owain Glyndŵr and the fact that he recognized Bryn Owain/Stalling Down as a site important enough to hold the druidic ceremony of his ''Republican Gorsedd'' on..

.

The pictures below are of an information board placed at the entrance to San Quentin's Castle and of the Castle itself. A beautiful location for a summer outing and a picnic.

.

.

The medieval structures of Bontfaen is, gradually, being beautifully restored and the following pictures are of the Physic Garden which is located within the Old Hall grounds in the town centre. This Physic garden is devoted to plants which, over many centuries have had medicinal properties attributed to them. There are also plants here which have, over the centuries, been used for culinary purposes and others that have been used for perfumery, cosmetics and dyestuffs. In all, its a very interesting and aromatic garden and is well worth a visit.

.

.

*****************

16 Medi - 'Dydd Glyndŵr' - 15 Days to go.

Have you organised your local events yet? If so, let us know so that we can include your event in our listings. If not, do start to organise your community celebrations asap. At the moment I can report on some really good news in that the North will witness at least one major Glyndŵr weekend in September - and that will be in Aberffraw on Medi 12 - 13. (Information below). To date, good event/s have also been held annually at Llanrwst but, unfortunately, neither Corwen nor Ruthin, the two locations most identified with 16 Medi 1400, are delivering on any 'Dydd Glyndŵr' celebrations? Not even the nationalist 'Rali Sofraniaeth' muted earlier in the year! that appears to have fallen by the wayside? Maybe next year then, when patriots are more up for ''Action for Independence''?..Of course, the biggest and best annual Gŵyl Dydd Glyndŵr event is organised by the Sleeping Giant Foundation at Abercraf and will be held again this year between the 19th - 21 Medi. (See the poster on my last posting for full details) or/and visit the Sleeping Giant Foundation's website to see photos of their previous Dydd Glyndŵr events. Hopefully, if you're not attending events that have been organised, we hope one and all will make an attempt to visit Corwen and Llys Glyndyfrdwy during Mis Medi. Great opportunity, whilst there, to see Corwen's great new Glyndŵr statue, photo below:

.

.Aberffraw 'Dydd Glyndwr' Info below:

PENWYTHNOS OWAIN GLYNDŴR

OWAIN GLYNDŴR WEEKEND

Nos Wener – Nos Sadwrn - Friday – Saturday Evening

12fed – 13eg o Fedi 2008 - 12th – 13th of September 200

I SIARADWYR CYMRAEG A DYSGWYR LLEOL - FOR LOCAL WELSH SPEAKERS & LEARNERS